SCHA News

March 2026

In Sessions Legislative Update: Week 10 in Review
March 20, 2026
As the South Carolina General Assembly marks its tenth week in session, the healthcare landscape in Columbia continues to evolve! While much of the floor debate this week centered on the regulation of hemp-derived products, the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) remains laser-focused on several key priorities that directly impact our hospitals, our workforce, and our patients.

SCHA Announces Inaugural Class of WHY Executive Fellows
March 11, 2026
The inaugural Executive Fellowship begins this March and will run for one year. Twelve leaders from across South Carolina were selected through a competitive process based on their track record of results, commitment to mission, and potential for system‑level impact.

Press Release: Hugh C. Tappan Named 2026 Chair of SCHA
March 10, 2026
Tappan was appointed Chair of SCHA at its annual meeting in December 2025 and will serve in the role through the end of 2026.

February 2026

SCHA CEO Thornton Kirby Named to Statewide 50 Most Influential List
February 10, 2026
Under his leadership, SCHA has continued to advance initiatives that support hospital teams, improve patient outcomes, and promote healthier communities statewide.

SCHA Workforce Roundtable on Feb. 25
February 6, 2026
Set for Wednesday, February 25, this gathering of hospital leaders and academic partners offers a full day of focused conversation, practical insight, and shared experience, with an emphasis on real-world practices that can make a meaningful difference for your organization.

January 2026

Governor McMaster Delivers His Final State of the State Address
January 29, 2026
We thank the Governor for his advocacy for our clinicians and his vision of a healthier, more prosperous South Carolina. 

Governor McMaster Outlines Health System Priorities in FY 2026–2027 Spending Plan
January 15, 2026
For hospital leaders, the proposal reflects both continuity with past commitments and a notable expansion of investments that support access, workforce stability, and system modernization. 

SCHA Receives New Grant to Support Workforce Experience Efforts
January 8, 2026
SCHA was recently awarded a new 1-year grant from the Duke Endowment to expand and build upon our efforts to help hospitals transform the healthcare work experience by addressing the root causes of burnout, disengagement, and turnover.  

December 2025

SCHA Announces Prisma Health Executive Hunter Kome as 2025 Zero Harm Leadership Award Winner
December 11, 2025
Kome serves as the CEO of Prisma Health’s Oconee Memorial and Baptist Easley Hospitals.

First Year Insights on Lexington Medical Center's EmPATH Unit
December 10, 2025
EmPATH, which stands for "Emergency Psychiatry Assessment, Treatment, and Healing," is an innovative model of crisis stabilization care that offers a calm, therapeutic environment for patients who arrive at busy emergency departments in need of behavioral health services.

Dialysis Care Expansion in Darlington Has Emergency Preparedness Implications
December 9, 2025
Beyond meeting day-to-day needs, the new outpatient dialysis center will serve as a vital resource during coastal evacuations and other disaster responses, thanks to Hartsville’s inland location.

SCHA’s Workplace Violence Collaborative Releases 2024 Annual Report
December 3, 2025
The Collaborative works to gather workplace violence data and develop strategies for prevention and intervention against physical and verbal assaults of hospital workers.

October 2025

South Carolina Hospital Association Launches “Heartbeat of SC” Public Awareness Campaign
October 20, 2025
Our hospital awareness campaign shines a light on the essential human and economic role hospitals play in South Carolina.

The Department of Public Health Releases 2025-2030 South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan
October 13, 2025
Developed through the Live Healthy South Carolina collaborative, the SHIP reflects the collective efforts of state agencies, public health entities, healthcare providers, community-based organizations and other cross-sector stakeholders working to improve health outcomes across the state.

Empowering the Future: Spartanburg Regional Wins Award for Workforce Development
October 8, 2025
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System's innovative efforts to train the next generation of healthcare workers drew top talent honors during OneSpartanburg Inc.’s recent annual celebration.

A Commitment to Safety: McLeod Health Leads with 911 Cellular and HealthGuard App
October 1, 2025
McLeod Health has implemented 911 Cellular, an advanced safety platform designed to provide staff with immediate access to emergency responders at the touch of a button. This system ensures that employees, whether working in patient care areas, administrative offices, or community settings, can connect instantly with help in the event of a safety threat. 

September 2025

Delivering Excellence in Georgetown County: Tidelands Health’s Approach to Maternal Health
September 24, 2025
The health system has made improving maternal health a priority for quite some time, and they have worked with their team members and community partners to enact evidence-based best practices.

Advocacy Alert: Healthcare Coverage at Risk Without Action Before Sept. 30
September 16, 2025
Without urgent Congressional action by the end of September, premium payments will be set to dramatically increase for the vast majority of Marketplace enrollees starting in 2026.

Honoring National Suicide Prevention Week Through Our Zero Harm Commitment
September 11, 2025
By embracing suicide prevention, South Carolina hospitals are broadening the definition of quality care and reaffirming their commitment to healing and hope. 

August 2025

Webinar Recording: Measles Preparedness in Healthcare Settings
August 19, 2025
In 2025, over 1,300 cases have been reported nationwide, with the majority affecting unvaccinated children under 19.